World Grand-Prix Champion Robert Thornton has been ruled out of the second week of Premier League action at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena through illness.

Thornton has been suffering with a chest infection all week and has subsequently been ruled out on medical advice. As a consequence, the Scot has also pulled out of this weekend’s Dutch Darts Masters in Venray, with his scheduled second-round opponent set to earn a bye to the last 16.

James Wade and Phil Taylor, who are contesting the final match of this evening, were involved in a coin toss to determine who will take Thornton’s place, and Wade will now play twice by opening up the evening with a clash against Michael Smith.

Thornton’s match against Smith will be rescheduled for Liverpool, where he’ll play the former World-Youth Champion, before taking on world number one Michael van Gerwen.

Thornton is the second Scot to be ruled out of 2016 Premier League action through illness, after world champion Gary Anderson missed the opening week through a viral infection. Get well soon Robert!